Chippenham Carnival

On Saturday 14th July, a Vintage Carnival brought life to the streets of Chippenham and Island Park for the second year since its rebirth in 2017. Brought to the town by Chippenham Connected in partnership with Chippenham Town Council, the event was sponsored by Faresaver buses. The town saw 15,154 visitors across the course of the day and over 8 hours of free fun was enjoyed by members of the public and businesses alike.

A fabulous array of activities was on offer in Island Park. Visitors could take part in a range of Circus Skill workshops where they could learn to unicycle, juggle, clown around and perfect their hula-hooping skills. Thrill-seekers had the chance to ride a zip wire and brave a climbing wall and a free “Fotobox” was available throughout the day with free photo prints as a memento of the day. Live entertainment from a range of local talents was on display on the main stage which included performances from the likes of Chippenham Dancing Academy, Chippenham Comedy Club and Chippenham Rock Choir who brought the park alive with 70 of Chippenham’s finest voices.

Kathryn Crosweller of Chippenham Connected said, “This is undoubtedly one of the most feel-good events of the year in Chippenham, and I am so proud of the effort our small team put in to make it happen. Everyone who came along looked they were having a fantastic day, and the town did itself proud in the procession!”

Visitors made the most of more than 20 stalls from local businesses and beyond selling their wares and an array of delicious food from around the globe. In keeping with the vintage theme, local store Magpie Vintage sold an enticing array of lovely trinkets, clothing and antiques, while Chippenham Town Council joined the site with a feedback hub, offering locals the chance to speak to their councillors about the causes that matter to them.

Mayor of Chippenham Councillor Andy Phillips Said, “It really was a splendid day. The town was packed with residents and visitors enjoying a wide variety of entertainment and buzzing with a fun and friendly atmosphere. The Carnival procession was greatly improved on last year’s event and clearly enjoyed by the huge crowds in the town centre. This must have been a welcome boost to our local economy and it is hoped that Carnival Day has now established itself as a fixture in Chippenham’s annual calendar.”

Ending the day in style, this year’s procession saw over 300 participants with a wide range of groups, businesses and clubs represented. The procession saw an exciting array of floats, vehicles and walking groups showcasing their business, community group or cause to the people of Chippenham who had lined the streets in support of this traditional Chippenham event.

Daniel Pickford from title sponsor, Faresaver Buses, said, “Last Year, we sponsored the event for the first time and we couldn’t believe how many people, especially the kids and grownups too were interested in the buses. They’re all getting on board and having their photo taken, it’s been a really great day.”

Awards were given to the best in categories including, The Flintstones of Emery Gate retuned from Chippenham’s Soap Box Derby to take Best Small Group, RAF Air Cadets (1304 Chippenham) who brought along a plane took Best School or Youth Group, Best Decorated Business Vehicle went to John Williams Heating Service who created a spectacular house-float whilst blaring fitting classics such as “relight my fire”.

The next community event from Chippenham Connected in partnership with Chippenham Town Council will see the return of Chippenham’s outdoor cinemas. ‘Watch it Weekdays’ will run from 21-24 August with 2 film screenings a day. Tickets will be available at 6pm on 1st August. For more information, head to the “Watch it Weekdays 2018” Facebook event or visit www.chippenhamconnected.com